Why does the Honour Roll exist?

As the Honour Roll builds over time, all people have the opportunity to learn about the contributions and achievements of both historical and contemporary Aboriginal Victorians in the areas of community leadership, human and social rights, activism, sports, music and more. While some individuals may be more widely known than others, all share an equal place of honour on this roll.

This formal and ongoing acknowledgement of the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians is a significant element of reconcilliation. Reconcilliation aims to improve the relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by raising awareness of the history, culture and significant contributions that Aboriginal Australians make to society.

What is the symbolism of the artwork?

The artwork associated with the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll was created by Mick Harding.

The Blues and Greens of our Country

'The range of green leaves represent the diversity of traditional owners throughout Victoria and the shield that floats inside them represents the resilience of our people over thousands of generations that we have been here.

The concentrated line work represents our unique symbolism that we use to explain our connection to country here in Victoria. The wavy blue lines represent the ocean and inland waterways that surround and run through Victoria. The subtle arcs that run through the water bodies represent the importance of water and our relationship and responsibility to it.'